Our Monastery

"Strive to grow in the fraternal life so that each monastery can be a beacon of light 
in the midst of disunity and division."

Pope Francis 

Discernment

Around 2005 the Carmelite community in West Derby, Liverpool, were considering relocating for a number of reasons. When the new Maryton Grange site was found, the sisters were aware that there were other Carmels in a similar position and asked if any community would like to explore the possibility of coming together. As a result, Golders Green met with Liverpool and together they discerned the way forward. Upholland later asked to join the venture. 

Discernment

Around 2005 the Carmelite community in West Derby, Liverpool found it necessary to relocate for a number of reasons. When the new Maryton Grange site was found, the sisters realised that there were other Carmels in a similar position and asked if any community would like to explore the possibility of coming together. As a result, Golders Green met with Liverpool and together they discerned the way forward. Upholland later asked to join the venture. 

Growing together

Although the life and Rule of Carmel are the same for all, each autonomous community has its own traditions, unique spirit and identity. Therefore, it took time, prayer, sharing and discernment for the three communities to grow together and plan the new Carmelite Monastery in Maryton. Ultimately we became one united community in Maryton Carmel under the patronage of St Joseph.  Golders Green and Liverpool moved in December 2012 and Upholland in January 2013. 

Moving home

As with any new building and move to a new home, things weren’t all plain sailing! To sort, empty and transport the necessary contents of three Carmels into one was a huge undertaking. However, with generosity, hard work and good will the sisters embarked on all that was entailed, assisted by kind friends. The shared experience of the challenges and upheaval of moving and settling in created some amusing memories and deepened our sisterly bonds.